City considers conversion of downtown 2-way streets, invites public input

City officials are discussing the conversion of downtown’s one-way streets. (Photo: Staff)

The city’s Department of Transportation is considering converting downtown one-way streets to two-way thoroughfares, and members of the public are invited to be a part of the conversation on the topic this week.

The idea is a response to recommendations from downtown planning work, city officials said in a news release.

Changes to the downtown streets could mean more options for commuters and less travel time, Chattanooga Department of Transportation traffic signal systems engineer Thomas Trotter said via email.

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It could also create an opportunity to make roads more pedestrian-friendly, he said.

The changes wouldn’t necessarily have to be on every downtown one-way road.

A public meeting on the issue is slated for Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Development Resource Center, located at 1250 Market St.

At the meeting, the public can learn more about what city officials have studied, what streets are being looked at and how to get involved in the process.

In addition to public feedback, the city will look at traffic volume, car crash data, and businesses and driveways that may be affected, Trotter said.

“The process has been driven by public input so far, beginning with the recommendations of the City Center plan and Chattanooga Forward task force, and it’s important that we have public input as we move forward with this study to understand what citizens and businesses want,” Trotter said.

Click here for more information from the city, and here and here for more background from NewsChannel 9.